Eicosanoid biosynthesis including prostacyclin and thromboxane production in vascular endothelial cells: Regulation and pathophysiological significance

Abstract

Vascular homeostasis depends on balanced production of prostacyclin and thromboxane, eicosanoids with opposing effects on platelet function and vascular tone. This research examined eicosanoid biosynthesis pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells under basal and stimulated conditions. Experiments conducted at Manila Institute of Applied Sciences from August 2023 to December 2024 measured prostacyclin and thromboxane metabolites using enzyme immunoassays and characterized cyclooxygenase expression by Western blotting. Results showed basal prostacyclin production of 245 pg/mL/10⁶ cells, increasing 4.8-fold with thrombin stimulation. The prostacyclin to thromboxane ratio was 8.3:1 under normal conditions but shifted to 2.1:1 following inflammatory cytokine treatment. Cyclooxygenase-2 induction accounted for 73% of stimulated prostacyclin synthesis. These findings illuminate the regulatory mechanisms maintaining vascular eicosanoid balance with implications for cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.